Flying Squirrel




 

 

Flying with kids?

If an airline flight with your kids is on the schedule this summer, you have my sympathy. Actually, I’m kidding. You’ll be fine.

Armed with some smart travel tips, you’ll get through the flight OK, and not once will other passengers give you “the look.”

You know the one. The look that says, “Oh great, flying with kids.” Let’s avoid that, shall we? Join me now on runway 25L as the Flying Squirrel takes flight.

First, plan and pack well. There are lots of things to carry on the plane. Start with a list of everything you can think of, then cross off items as they go in your bag (or your child’s).

If your little travelers carry their own suitcases, make sure they can roll them on their own—the last thing you want is a narrow-wheeled bag that tips over and slows you down.

Here are a few essentials: a backup pair of clothes in case of spillage or, well, you know what else can happen on planes. Along those lines, bring some small baggies for trash.

Speaking of clean, if you’re stuck in a middle row or a window seat, it won’t be easy to get to the restroom to wash off the airport germs, so take a package of hand wipes.

Also, for overnight flights, bring a toothbrush and toothpaste— and just to be safe, use bottled water rather than the lavatory’s sink water to rinse. Trust me on this last point: Don’t. Drink. That. Water. Ever.

Once you’re on the plane, make your darlings feel at home. Bring things to comfort them and ease the boredom. A favorite blanket, animal or pillow can help avoid (or minimize) meltdowns. If the item you bring is truly indispensable (like my young daughter’s blankie), consider writing or sewing your contact info on it, just in case it’s dropped along the way.

OK, so your kids are on the plane in their seats . . . where they will be for the next six hours. But you’re not worried, right?

Because you packed things to keep them entertained. Toys, coloring books with colored pencils, tablets or game players (fully charged, please), stuffed animals, books—anything your child normally plays with.

Speaking of tablets, if your child has an iPad or a Kindle Fire, load it with interactive apps like Reading Rainbow or Splash Math—they’re a great way to bring a whole flight’s worth of engaging books and games, while leaving the bulk at home.

One unique (and free) way to add fun to the flight is to take three to four toys and gift wrap them. Then once an hour (or when things start to go sideways) let your child unwrap a “present” and play with it for the next 60 minutes. If the toy has been out of circulation for a while (hint, hint), your child might not even remember it.

Are there any toys you shouldn’t bring? Of course. Avoid toys with small parts, e.g., the Lego Iron Man jet boat with 368 unique pieces—if you drop them under your seat, good luck leaning forward to retrieve them.

Hungry yet? As we all know, airline chow isn’t what it used to be. In fact, today, it may be nothing at all.

As adults, we’re used to grabbing a “meal” from concourse vendors. But your kids might not be fans of Cajun chicken Caesar salad wraps, so definitely bring your own food and drink.

Good choices include your child’s favorite dry cereal, healthy nuts, crackers, trail bars, dried fruit, PB&J squares and squeezable applesauce. Place these snacks in small bags (or disposable plastic containers) so you can allocate portions throughout the flight.

Be sure to bring lots of water too—not only will it prevent dehydration, but it can also help with ear pressure problems at takeoff and landing.

So then, ready to keep the friendly skies friendly? With just a little advance planning, you’ll avoid getting “the look.” In fact, you might even be the proud parent who accepts the “Your kids were great” compliment.

Happy flying!

Thor Challgren is a travel consultant who lives in Thousand Oaks. He can be reached at www.loveyourvacation.com or (805) 499-8784. Email questions to thor@theacorn.com. The Flying Squirrel, the Acorn’s new travel column, will run bimonthly.


 

 

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